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CFL Argonauts Make Debut At BMO Field, Fall Just Shy Of A Sellout Crowd

The CFL Toronto Argonauts drew an "enthusiastic crowd" of 24,812 for their BMO Field debut on Thursday, just short of a sellout, but the atmosphere at the team's new venue was "electric on a brilliant summer evening," according to Dan Ralph of the CP. The Argos played the last 27 years at Rogers Centre. Prior to kickoff, there was a "free concert near the stadium," and 250 spots "were sold in two areas where fans were able to tailgate hours before the contest" (CP, 6/24). In Toronto, Steve Simmons writes BMO Field "felt special and big-time like an event -- everything Argos football hasn't been for far too long." Whatever was expected from the first CFL game at BMO Field "was surpassed by a stadium full of sound and noise and mostly smiling faces." The tailgate "was exceedingly successful," as fans were "enjoying the vibe and getting into the tailgate spirit." Seen in the parking lot prior to game were Toronto Mayor John Tory, CFL Commissioner Jeffrey Orridge, and team Owners Larry Tanenbaum and George Cope. Simmons: "There was a lot of love around for this new beginning" (TORONTO SUN, 6/24). Also in Toronto, Richard Griffin writes a "rediscovered Argos pride emanated on Thursday." The pride was "palpable in the fans, the front office and the players." Argos Vice Chair Michael Clemons said, "It is a newfound freedom" (TORONTO STAR, 6/24).

ACTUAL BUZZ: In Toronto, Terry Koshan writes there was "actual buzz in the hours leading up" to the Argos' game, which is "not a common occurrence in recent decades." Orridge said, "We don't worry about the past. That was then, this is now and what is happening now is amazing." Orridge "remains a relative newcomer to the post," but he "knows better than anyone the importance of having stability off the field in Toronto as much as off it, if not more." The move to BMO Field "is just a first step." Orridge: "It's not just great for the Argos, but we are only as healthy as every one of our teams are. So the more comfortable they are, the better they are going to be able to perform, and the more we are going to be able to offer the fans. That’s really what it's about" (TORONTO SUN, 6/24).

SPECIAL BREW: In Ottawa, Wayne Scanlan notes the Argos "seem to have something special brewing in their move" to BMO Field. Ottawa Redblacks President Jeff Hunt likes nothing "better than a new marketing venture," and he is "impressed by the amount of 'buzz' generated by the Argos." Hunt "is going to school" on the Argos' tailgating concept, "much as the Argos have gone to school on the successful relaunch of Ottawa football." Hunt said, "We're watching closely. We're always looking at things. If we can come up with our own version of tailgating, it behooves us to see what we can do, given our realities here" (OTTAWA CITIZEN, 6/24).

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